Google aims to put fat fingers on a dietMore than 1 in 5 mobile-ad clicks are thought to be accidental fat-finger clicks -- but Google is determined to change that with its "confirmed clicks" tool. The function identifies clicks that merely graze the edge of an AdMob target area, and pops up a message asking whether the user was deliberately clicking the ad in question. "We're trying to lead the industry forward in understanding this is something we all need to address," said Jonathan Alferness, Google's director of product management for mobile ads. Adweek
(12/13)

Why Platform Matters When Choosing an ERP SystemIn order to survive, grow, and compete in the digital age, organizations need an ERP that is highly flexible and able to adapt. So, what are the tough platform questions you should ask yourself when shopping for an ERP? Download the report to find out!

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Trendwatch

Barter economy for ads helps app-makers expandMany mobile application makers are now trading ad inventory with one another via an informal but increasingly systematized barter economy. Some app-makers trade ad space on an ad hoc basis; others develop more formal barter systems, banking ad clicks from the campaigns they host and trading them for ad inventory on other mobile apps. "[Barter has] become a more explicit part of our marketing process. ... We're trading inventory with developers on a regular basis," said Prerna Gupta of Smule. Advertising Age (tiered subscription model)
(12/13)

Media buyers are going native in 2013, study saysAlmost half of media buyers expect to at least experiment with native advertising in 2013, according to a Solve Media survey. That suggests native ads are more than just a faddish repackaging of tried-and-tested advertorial strategies, says Solve Media CEO Ari Jacoby. "It's not a trend, it's a reality," he says. PaidContent.org
(12/12)

Getting the Word Out

Is your brand suffering from "update overload"?When consumers sever their social-media ties to a brand, it's often because of "update overload," in which brands post social updates too often and start to seem spammy, a SocialVibe report suggests. About a third of all social disconnections came about because brands posted too many updates, the report found. "Update overload is subjective; it can be difficult for brands to gauge how often is too often," eMarketer warns. eMarketer
(12/13)

Social ads more irritating than other online ads, study findsA third of consumers find ads on social networks markedly more annoying than other kinds of online ad placements, according to an NM Incite and Nielsen study. The study found that white consumers were the most likely to be turned off by social media advertising, while Asian-American consumers were the most likely to respond positively. ClickZ
(12/13)

Developer Update

Should HTML5 be relegated to the minor leagues?HTML5 had a bad year, and if it were a sporting team it would be at the bottom of the league, writes Howard Baldwin. Performance, usability and reputation issues are all holding the platform back -- but some developers are keeping the faith. "[J]ust as the most banged-up team has its diehard fans, companies using HTML5 for mobile application development are not giving up on the would-be standard's cross-platform appeal just yet," Baldwin writes. CIO.com
(12/13)

Design Corner

Single-page sites give designers a chance to shineSingle-page websites let designers show off their skills by creating sites that pack large amounts of information into a relatively small space, writes Carol Francis. "[T]he effects that can be achieved without the use of Flash are, in some cases, quite stunning," she writes. OnExtraPixel.com
(12/13)

Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs

Do SMBs need "cyber liability" insurance?As small businesses develop stronger Web presences, they are increasingly being targeted by hackers and other digital malfeasants, writes Ryan Hanley. That's leading some bosses to consider "cyber liability" insurance, to cover losses or damages resulting from data theft, regulatory violations or other online risks. Small Business Trends
(12/13)

Association News

Do You Have "Award Winning" Mobile Apps and Mobile Websites?While many mobile applications are tools that make life easier for millions of people, they also are an effective advertising tool to build brand awareness and engage consumers. Web Marketing Association judges will select the best mobile applications and the best mobile websites in 86 industries as part of their 11th annual Internet Advertising Competition Awards. Companies or agencies wishing to nominate their work for consideration may do so before the deadline of Jan. 31.